Michelle Maskaly //February 25, 2013//
Hy-Vee, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of their dog food because of elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn.
Routine random tests conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture indicated higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin in some samples of Hy-Vee dog food produced at a Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet, LLC.
Hy-Vee officials emphasized the recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure. No illnesses have been reported in dogs consuming the product, and the product does not pose a health risk to humans handling it. Hy-Vee officials have also removed all potentially affected products from Hy-Vee stores.
The recalled products carry three different “Best By” dates and were distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between Oct. 26, 2012 and Jan. 11, 2013.
Any bags of Hy-Vee dog food subject to the recall, whether opened or unopened, may be returned to Hy-Vee stores for a full refund. A full list can be found on the FDA’s website.
Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical produced by the mold fungus Aspergillus, which is often found in corn, particularly during drought conditions. Pets that ingest higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin, especially over a period of time, may become ill.